Most of you have been teaching for several weeks. Patterns are probably beginning to emerge and classroom routines are probably making you feel more comfortable than you were when you started. Can you still see the teacher that you started this semester wanting to be? Are you satisfied that you're actually teaching or are you concerned that you may be getting immersed in playing the "game of school?" Assess your teaching so far. What are you doing well, and what do you know you need to work on? What evidence are you seeing for both your successes and difficulties? What are you determined to change and why?
I have definitely noticed good and bad patterns emerging. I feel as if some of the patterns are my own and some are from my CT. Some good patterns are:
Recording agenda/homework, 'What Now?', and Question of the Day on the board.
Attempting to be consistent when grading short answer/extended response questions [i.e. having key words I'm looking for in the answer]
Better at transitioning and keeping the 'flow' going
Sense of humor shining through
Some things I feel like I still need to work on are:
Classroom management-->consistent discipline/rules for all
Creating higher level test questions
Wrapping up the lesson effectively
I am satisfied with the teaching I've completed thus far and am nervous but excited to move forward to the high school. It's good to be comfortable at the middle school but it'll also be great to have another challenge. It is very easy to play into the 'game of school' while at school because of the students and other faculty. I have been trying to read articles, videos etc to keep my focus off of that and stay positive. Classroom management is one thing I know I want to work on greatly before student teaching is over. I want to have a positive relationship with the students where they respect me and vice versa but we are able to learn in a relaxed environment. I know they say don't smile until Christmas but we only have 7 weeks so I want them to know what I'm all about and have a great time and learn lots. I also want to develop my skills with creating/enacting higher level thinking test questions/in-class activities. It's great and easy to find fun activities where the students will be bored but somewhat get the point. I want them to have 'fun' and be engaged and for the motivation to be 'why is this happening?--I want to know more!'.
I have definitely noticed good and bad patterns emerging. I feel as if some of the patterns are my own and some are from my CT. Some good patterns are:
Some things I feel like I still need to work on are:
I am satisfied with the teaching I've completed thus far and am nervous but excited to move forward to the high school. It's good to be comfortable at the middle school but it'll also be great to have another challenge. It is very easy to play into the 'game of school' while at school because of the students and other faculty. I have been trying to read articles, videos etc to keep my focus off of that and stay positive. Classroom management is one thing I know I want to work on greatly before student teaching is over. I want to have a positive relationship with the students where they respect me and vice versa but we are able to learn in a relaxed environment. I know they say don't smile until Christmas but we only have 7 weeks so I want them to know what I'm all about and have a great time and learn lots. I also want to develop my skills with creating/enacting higher level thinking test questions/in-class activities. It's great and easy to find fun activities where the students will be bored but somewhat get the point. I want them to have 'fun' and be engaged and for the motivation to be 'why is this happening?--I want to know more!'.